Can the 76ers benefit from the end of the Bucks winning streak?

What a season it has been in the NBA so far in 2019/20! Since the action started in late October, it has not let up with some classic games and plenty of drama, especially in the Eastern Conference where the 76ers and Bucks have been battling it out for top spot. It remains pretty close between them as a look at the odds sportsbooks are offering for each to win shows. From the Sugarhouse sports betting PA site to other online bookmakers, odds for the 76ers are around 5/2 while the Bucks are around 7/5.

This shows there is not much in it when it comes to these two teams this season. Both will be hoping to have good run-ins for the remainder of the campaign.

Bucks slip up to end their winning streak

The Bucks are in first place right now with a 24-4 record in the current NBA season. This included a very impressive 18 game run which started in early November and was only ended by a close loss to the Mavericks in their last game. What many fans of both teams are now asking is just what effect this could have for the rest of the season. Could the high-flying Bucks be brought down to earth with a bump and suddenly find wins hard to come by?

Of course, this scenario is music to the ears of any 76ers fan. The team from Philly sits in second place at the moment, behind the Bucks with a 20-8 record. Many 76ers followers will be hoping that the recent slip up by the Bucks will hand their team the initiative for the rest of the campaign. But is that likely to happen?

The recent loss could prove pivotal for Philly

The 76ers are perfectly placed to make the most of this unexpected result for the Bucks. If it does take the team from Milwaukee time to recover, this could hand the 76ers a real chance to steal the top spot if they stay in good form themselves. You also need to factor in that both teams still have to play each other twice before the season finishes. If the team from Philly arrives at these games on a real high and they claim two victories, it could see them overtake the Bucks to claim a conference win.

Another possible benefit of the Bucks losing could be that other teams in the conference copy Dallas and also beat them. The reliance on Giannis Antetokounmpo was brilliantly exploited by Dallas for example and if he gets injured or other teams nullify him, the Bucks could be in trouble. If the 76ers can keep winning while this happens, it could see them move up into first place in the standings. Of course, the other main benefit of the recent Bucks loss is the buzz it will give the players in Philadelphia. Hearing that their main rivals lost and are no longer on a huge winning streak will give them extra motivation going into games.

It may not be time to get too excited yet

Although any 76ers follower will hope that this is the chance their team needs, it may not be quite so easy. Although the confidence in the Bucks camp could be knocked, it is hard to think they are so fragile mentally that it will completely unravel their season. They still have more than enough talent in their ranks and leadership to bounce back.

It is also important to remember that the loss against Dallas was pretty close and did not involve the Bucks getting outplayed as such. Dallas were in inspired form and it is hard to see every team playing so well against the Bucks in the coming months.

Eastern Conference will go to the wire

Even before the season started, many predicted that it would be these two teams who would contest the Eastern Conference. This has certainly proved to be the case with both starting very well so far. Of course, you would have to say the Bucks were edging it – but that was until this latest loss to Dallas. Coming off the high of an 18 game-winning run could see them crash down to earth with a real bang. If they fail to recover as you would expect, this could see the 76ers benefit and claim the top spot in the conference instead. While this is by no means certain, it is a real possibility. Much will depend on how the Bucks respond to losing in the coming months and if the 76ers can get on a winning run themselves to make the most of any further slips.